Craigmillar Tapestry goes on display at Edinburgh Fringe

The Craigmillar Tapestry <i>(Image: Neil Hanna)</i>
The Craigmillar Tapestry (Image: Neil Hanna)
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A tapestry stitched by more than 500 people is set to go on public display as part of this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The Craigmillar Tapestry, created by residents of Craigmillar and Niddrie, will be exhibited at the Scottish Storytelling Centre as part of the venue’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

The Craigmillar Tapestry (Image: Neil Hanna)

The exhibition marks the first stop on the tapestry’s city-wide tour.

Designed by Craigmillar-born artist Andrew Crummy MBE, the tapestry features 20 panels celebrating the history, landmarks and people of the local area.

The artwork includes depictions of historic sites such as the Neolithic Niddrie Standing Stone and Craigmillar Castle, alongside stories of people who helped shape Scottish history.

Among those featured is Agnes Moffat, a child coal-bearer whose testimony during the 1842 Children’s Employment Commission helped expose the realities of child labour.

The tapestry was first proposed in 2010 by the late Helen Crummy, community activist and founding leader of the Craigmillar Festival Society.

Her vision was to celebrate both the history of Craigmillar and the people who helped create its strong community spirit.

The Craigmillar Tapestry (Image: Neil Hanna)

The project follows the community arts approach developed by the Craigmillar Festival Society, which has inspired similar works across Scotland and beyond.

Andrew Crummy, who also designed The Great Tapestry of Scotland, said the project holds particular personal significance because of its connection to his family and the area where he grew up.

The exhibition forms part of the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme and its celebrations marking two decades since opening.



Andrew Crummy MBE said: "All the tapestries I am involved with, like The Great Tapestry of Scotland, are based on Community Arts ethos developed by The Craigmillar Festival Society.

"A way of using the Arts that has inspired and travelled the world.

"It is an honour to be involved in developing this Tapestry, with many involved telling fantastic stories from an amazing community.

"It was originally an idea from my mother, the late Helen Crummy in 2010, who wanted to celebrate not only the history of Craigmillar, but all those who helped Craigmillar become a vibrant and rich community."

Heather Henderson, a local stitcher involved in the project since its inception, said: "I have enjoyed watching, taking part, and teaching in helping to bring Andrew's drawings for every panel come alive with the stitches.

"I am so proud when I see every panel finished.

"It's such an honour to see them."

Lauren Paterson, interim head of programming at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, said: "It is therefore fitting that for Fringe 2026 and for the Centre’s 20th Anniversary celebrations, we can house this wonderful piece of art that champions community connection and collective local history.

"We’re so looking forward to welcoming the Tapestry and all those who will come to see it."

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